Copy of Implants vs. DIEP surgery

Hey babes,

Today is BRA day - Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day - kinda ironic since after my reconstruction I hardly ever wear a bra! lol. There are a few different options when it comes to reconstruction after your mastectomy, two of them being the DIEP surgery and breast implants.

I personally chose to have implants placed after my double mastectomy. Though I love my implants and I am happy with my results - they don't look or feel the most natural and one of the hardest parts about my recovery is realizing that I have lost almost all of the sensation in my breasts. It's been hard to cope with that. I didn't realize how much losing all feeling would affect me (and my sex life) until AFTER my surgery was already over. IF I had known, I think I would have researched other options.

I have since met a ton of Breasties who decided to have the DIEP surgery done - for those who aren’t familiar with it, this type of reconstruction surgery uses the patient’s own tissue with the goal of providing size, shape, symmetry and softness to the newly restored breast. It is pretty incredible how realistic the results from the DIEP surgery can be. There has also recently been an advancement in breast reconstruction designed to restore sensation after a mastectomy - which is amazing!

To break it down.... during a mastectomy, nerves that provide sensation to the breast are cut when breast tissue is removed. This usually leads to numbness and loss of sensation in the breast. With the new technology called ReSensation, surgeons have the ability to connect the nerves that were cut to nerves in the patient’s newly restored breast, allowing the nerves to potentially regenerate over time. WHICH IS FREAKING AMAZING.

If you’re undergoing a mastectomy and considering your breast reconstruction options, or

considering a revision to your implant reconstruction, ask your breast surgeon if ReSensation can help restore sensation for you. You can learn more about ReSensation and find a ReSensation surgeon in your area using their super convenient doctor finding tool at www.ReSensation.com

Every Breasties experience is different, and unique to her — just because something worked for me doesn't necessarily mean its the right path for you. It is important to remember that your breast reconstruction decisions are yours alone. Whatever path you choose, it should be about your quality of life and the choice that’s right for you. In the end, being brave is what makes you beautiful.